I think money does matter as do transfer fees , but I don't think this should preclude us from buying older players .I like us as a club to buy players that hopefully have a resale value or preferably increase in value. Usually when buying older players (29 years old and above) this rarely happens. It also may take the player a season to bed in to the new team, players and system of the new club.
I don't go along with this "it doesnt matter about the owners money" no one want to see his money wasted needlessly.
Had Demichaelis left after two seasons I would argue that he had been the best value centre back we have bought since the takeover in spite of having no transfer value.
Value is about Transfer fees paid plus wages and signing on fees minus transfer fee received against performance and time spent at the club.
Older players often settle and perform more quickly.